Last month, a proven leaker revealed that Apple has tested the ability to connect four HomePods to an Apple TV 4K for surround sound, with the HomePods intended to be arranged in front-left, front-right, rear-left, and rear-right positions. Now further evidence of this functionality has surfaced ahead of an announcement from Apple. First, the same leaker known as "pdfu" has uncovered additional code related to a four-HomePod surround sound system in the latest beta of audioOS, which is Apple's internal name for the HomePod's operating system. For example, on the third audioOS 27.2 beta, he said that "Siri can match a speaker to its surround system." Second, MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris discovered that the third beta of macOS 27.2 contains two new SF Symbols depicting a group of four speakers in a room. While the HomePod is not mentioned in the names of the symbols, one of them appears to show a basic top-down view of HomePods, and the other mentions that the four speakers are part of a home theater setup. The timing of these symbols being added by Apple suggests they could be related to the rumored four-HomePod surround sound functionality. Apple plans to unveil new HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K models on Tuesday, October 13 , according to Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman, while he said that the full-sized HomePod will be updated " eventually ." However, it is unclear if this surround-sound functionality will require new HomePods. The leaker "pdfu" previously said that Apple tested two different setups, including four second-generation HomePods, and two second-generation HomePods in front positions paired with two unreleased speakers in rear positions. It is also unclear if any existing Apple TV 4K models will support four HomePods, or if the functionality will be limited to the upcoming model. Currently, you can set two HomePod or HomePod mini speakers as the default audio output on all Apple TV 4K models for stereo sound. With new HomePod and Apple TV models on the horizon, and all of the mounting evidence across Apple's software code and symbols, it seems likely that Apple will unveil this new functionality fairly soon, barring any last-minute issues. Related Roundups: Apple TV , HomePod , HomePod mini Tag: pdfu Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy) , HomePod (Caution) , HomePod Mini (Don't Buy) Related Forums: Apple TV and Home Theater , HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology This article, " Apple TV 4K Rumored to Support Four HomePods for Surround Sound " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
A developer beta has revealed that a new logo is coming to Apple Music , with the modernization involving a chunky lowercase version of the word "Music." A new Apple Logo in the macOS 27.2 developer beta - Image Credit: @madeby_ldt/X The latest developer beta of macOS 27.2 includes various changes, but also one affecting Apple Music. The streaming service is getting a new logo, its first after its launch 11 years ago. Spotted by @madeby_ldt on X late on Monday, and confirmed shortly after by leaker @aaronp613 in iOS 27.2 , macOS 27.2 beta 3 has an updated Apple Music logo. The change adjusts the word "Music" to use a much thicker font, as well making the entire word lower case. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
HomePod mini shipping estimates now stretch to as long as eight weeks in several countries, while some colors are unavailable for delivery, adding to signs that a rumored refresh may be close. On Apple's U.S. online store , yellow and orange are currently unavailable for delivery to various ZIP codes. Blue and white have estimated delivery dates of October 14–21, while midnight is estimated for October 12–14. Dates may differ by address. In the UK , blue is unavailable for delivery, yellow is estimated to ship in three to four weeks, and orange in six to eight weeks. The orange model also has a six-to-eight-week shipping estimate in Germany , France , Australia , and Japan . Both yellow and orange are unavailable for delivery in Canada , although other colors generally ship within a few business days. The delays come ahead of a rumored October 13 introduction of a new ‌HomePod mini‌, alongside an updated Apple TV 4K and a new smart home hub. The ‌HomePod mini‌ 2 is expected to retain its current design while gaining a faster chip, Apple Intelligence support, and new color options . Similar ‌HomePod mini‌ shortages have occurred intermittently for more than a year , but there is often a correlation between delays and the launch of new products. Related Roundup: HomePod mini Buyer's Guide: HomePod Mini (Don't Buy) Related Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology This article, " HomePod Mini Waits Reach Eight Weeks Ahead of Rumored Refresh " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
